1968 Golden Knights Article

1968 Highlights

Much like 1964, 1968 was a rebuilding year, primarily for the horn line. More than half of the great 1967 horn line had left and were replaced by a large number of younger players (me included). While the drum line remained strong, we had a long way to go in marching and brass. Still, we won the VFW States and placed second in the Dream and the World Open. We did not compete in the Nationals in '68.
As a "new guy" in 1968, I was keenly aware during the pre-season rehearsals that we had a long way to go if we were to live up to the name "Golden Knights." I marched with BS for the first time in the Thanksgiving Day parade in November, 1967, sandwiched between "Baby John" Chalmus and Billy DeHay - and was reminded repeatedly by the "old guys" that one had to earn wearing the uniform, that you didn't simply become a Golden Knight by wearing a "costume." But as hard as the old guys were on us, they were equally supportive - both those who were marching and the alumni.
I remember one winter Sunday following drill rehearsal at the Newark armory. The corps was huddled around the drum major, reviewing the rehearsal and itinerary for the following weeks. An alumnus, John Leonhardt, walked by and muttered, "I was in this corps when it was good!" Three significant things happened: (1) We moved the huddle to John and kicked his ass 🙂 ; (2) Bob Ruth said something to the effect, "He's right...this corps couldn't come close to the last few years" and (3) We new guys became keenly aware that there were alumni all around us, watching, encouraging, and cheering us on in their special ways. Indeed, the '68 corps took its lumps, but we held our own and evolved to become the great corps of '69 and '70.

1968 Dream Drill

1968 AL States

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Another Wildwood inspection. Contrabass on the end is BSGK Album webmaster Gary Dickelman; to his right are Steve Eagle, Earl Barnwell, and drum major Fran Haynes. The AL States was the final competition for 1968. Photo courtesy of Joe Silverstein

1968 Dan Caso

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Dan Caso on baritone during his first season with BS. Dan remained with BSGK through '72, '75, and has been a member of the Alumni Corps since 1991. He now plays contrabass (see Plymouth 2000 photo). Photo courtesy of Joe Silverstein.